Contested development clears Mishawaka panel

November 16, 2006|SUE LOWE Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA -- Some people really like having a creek or wetland in their backyard. And some residents of the Barrington Estates subdivision on East Jefferson Boulevard are concerned that a new development proposed for land next to theirs will harm that wetland. But members of the Mishawaka Plan Commission voted to recommend that the Common Council create a new planned unit development for almost six acres east and north of Barrington Estates. Derek Spier, with Abonmarche Consultants, said Place Realty Inc. plans to build 22 single-family homes in the $235,000 to $325,000 price range. Chad Harrington, who lives next to that property, said there are unique plants and animals in the wetland where the pieces of property join. "My concern is the amount of backfilling (needed for the homes) and the impact on the wetland," he said. The property is now owned by the Margaret H. Prickett Family Partnership and is adjacent to the former site of Prickett's Supermarket.